The Midnight Queen - Page 138/177

"But, O Hubert, where am I? What dreadful place it this?"

"Why, I do not know that this is a very dreadful place; and most people

consider it a sufficiently respectable house; but, still, I would rather

see my sister anywhere else than in it, and will take the trouble of

kidnapping her out of it as quickly as possible."

"But, Hubert, tell me--do tell me, who is Count L'Estrange?" Hubert

laughed.

"Cannot, really, Leoline! at least, not until to-morrow, and you are

Lady Kingsley."

"But, what if he should come here to-night?"

"I do not think there is much danger of that, but whether he does or

not, rest assured you shall be free to-morrow! At all events, it is

quite impossible for you to escape with me now; and even as it is, I

run the risk of being detected, and made a prisoner, myself. You must

be patient and wait, Leoline, and trust to Providence and your brother

Hubert!"

"I must, I suppose!" said Leoline, sighing, "and you cannot take me away

until day-dawn."

"Quite impossible; and then all this drapery of yours will be ever so

much in the way. Would you object to garments like these?" pointing to

his doublet and hose. "If you would not, I think I could procure you a

fit-out."

"But I should, though!" said Leoline, with spirit "and most decidedly,

too! I shall wear nothing of the kind, Sir Page!"

"Every one to her fancy!" said Hubert, with a French shrug, "and my

pretty sister shall have hers in spite of earth, air, fire, and water!

And now, fair Leoline, for a brief time, adieu, and au revoir!"

"You will not fail me!" exclaimed Leoline, earnestly, clasping her

hands.

"If I do, it shall be the last thing I will fail in on earth; for if I

am alive by to-morrow morning, Leoline shall be free!"

"And you will be careful--you will both be careful!"

"Excessively careful! Now then."

The last two words were addressed to the window which he noiselessly

opened as he spoke. Leoline caught a glimpse of the bright free

moonlight, and watched him with desperate envy; but the next moment the

shutters were closed, and Hubert and the moonlight were both gone.